Aceclofenac: Uses, dosage and safety

If you have joint pain or inflammation, aceclofenac might be a drug your doctor mentions. It’s an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) similar to diclofenac. People use it to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

How aceclofenac is used

Doctors commonly prescribe aceclofenac for short- to medium-term relief of inflammatory pain. A typical adult dose is 100 mg twice daily, usually taken with food to cut down on stomach upset. Some people may be advised a different schedule based on their condition, age, or other medicines they take—always follow your prescriber’s instructions.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that controls your symptoms. If pain doesn’t improve in a few days or gets worse, contact your healthcare provider instead of increasing the dose yourself.

Side effects, warnings and interactions

Common side effects include stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Because aceclofenac affects the stomach lining and platelets, it can cause ulcers or bleeding, especially with long-term use or if you take it with blood thinners (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, or even aspirin). Watch for black stools or severe stomach pain—these are red flags and need urgent care.

Certain people should avoid aceclofenac: those with active peptic ulcers, severe heart failure, severe liver or kidney disease, or known NSAID allergy (including aspirin-induced asthma). It’s generally avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy because it can harm the baby’s circulation.

Key drug interactions to mention: blood thinners (raise bleeding risk), ACE inhibitors or ARBs and diuretics (may reduce kidney function), methotrexate and lithium (can increase their levels), and SSRIs or other drugs that affect bleeding. If you take multiple medications, have your provider or pharmacist check interactions before you start aceclofenac.

Practical tips: take aceclofenac with food or milk to protect your stomach, avoid heavy drinking while on it, and don’t combine it with other NSAIDs unless a doctor says so. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, you’ll need monitoring while using aceclofenac.

Buying and questions: aceclofenac usually requires a prescription in many countries. If you’re shopping online, use licensed pharmacies, check for contact info and pharmacist support, and never buy from sites that skip prescriptions. If you’re unsure whether aceclofenac is right for you, ask a pharmacist or your healthcare provider—short questions can prevent big problems.

Want quick guidance? Note your current meds, any history of ulcers, and whether you have heart or kidney issues before talking to a clinician—those three facts help them decide if aceclofenac is safe for you.